Plastic additives: challenges in ecotox hazard assessment

The risk of plastic debris, and specifically micro(nano)plastic particles, to ecosystems remains be fully characterized. One particular issue that warrants further characterization is the hazards associated with chemical additives within as they are not chemically bound polymers can persistent biologically active. Most plastics contain therefore potential vectors for introduction these chemicals into environment leach from plastic, a process accelerated through degradation weathering processes. There knowledge gaps on ecotoxicological effects how released parent materials progressively fragment meso micro nano scale. This review summarizes current state ecotoxicity identifies research needs characterize hazard present exposed biota. ecological international concern so key differences in governance between European Union New Zealand appropriately their highlighted.